The Master's Degrees With The Highest Salary Potential 2017

A master's in finance and economics ranks third on PayScale's list of the degrees with the highest salary potential.Shutterstock

It’s no secret that a master’s degree is a big investment. On top of the out-of-pocket expense, you’ll forego income if you attend full time. But it can also be an excellent way to accelerate your current track or change careers.

Salary site PayScale revealed the master’s degrees leading to jobs with high pay at the early-career (zero to five years’ experience) and mid-career (10 or more years’ experience) stages. The analysis is based on 134,309 salary profiles collected over the past two years.

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9. (tie) Corporate Finance

Many corporate finance graduates end up in investment banking and private equity.

Early-career pay: $67,800

Mid-career pay: $126,000

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9. (tie) Computer Science

Computer science degrees often lead to jobs in software engineering.

Early-career pay: $86,500

Mid-career pay: $126,000

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8. Technology Management

These master's programs teach skills in information security, product management and entrepreneurship, according to Georgetown University.

Early-career pay: $67,600

Mid-career pay: $127,000

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5. (tie) Mathematics & Statistics

Math and statistics master's degree holders can go on to become investment analysts, data analysts, statisticians and teachers.

Early-career pay: $72,700

Mid-career pay: $129,000

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5. (tie) Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers work on everything from surgical robots and artificial organs to bike helmets, Marquette University explains.

Early-career pay: $70,200

Mid-career pay: $129,000

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5. (tie) Computer Engineering

This degree provides training in computer architecture, networks, software and cyber security, according to Boston University.

Early-career pay: $86,400

Mid-career pay: $129,000

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4. Electrical Engineering

An electrical engineering master's can prepare you for a career as an entrepreneur, hardware engineer or software engineer. It's also a step on the path to a Ph.D., according to NYU.

Early-career pay: $80,600

Mid-career pay: $130,000

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3. Finance and Economics

Finance and economics degree holders often go on to work in financial services or economic research. Many also pursue a Ph.D.

Early-career pay: $68,000

Mid-career pay: $134,000

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2. Telecommunications Engineering

Telecommunications engineers build voice and data communication systems, from phones to wireless internet networks, according to the University of Sydney.

Early-career pay: $76,200

Mid-career pay: $141,000

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1. Nurse Anesthesia

Early-career pay: $143,000

Mid-career pay: $165,000

Nurse anesthesia programs typically last from 24 to 36 months, and they prepare nurses to administer anesthesia and oversee patients' recovery, explains a trade organization.

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I cover cryptocurrencies, blockchain, fintech and investing at Forbes. I’ve also written frequently about leadership, corporate diversity and entrepreneurs. Before Forbes, I worked for ten years in marketing consulting, in roles ranging from client consulting to talent man